All set to return to the silver screen after five years with "Jazbaa", Aishwarya speaks about the film, director Sanjay Gupta and more.

All set to return to the silver screen after five years with "Jazbaa", Aishwarya Rai speaks about the film, director Sanjay Gupta and more. (Image: Anjani Monga)

All set to return to the silver screen after five years with "Jazbaa", actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was in the capital recently to launch the Longines DolceVita collection. Dressed in a House of CB dress and Tom Ford jacket, she spoke about her so-called comeback film, director Sanjay Gupta and being a working mom.

"Jazbaa" is your first movie post-motherhood. How does it feel to be back on the sets, playing the role of Anuradha Varma?

It felt amazing. "Jazbaa" is a strong story and I couldn't have asked for a better director than Sanjay Gupta. With Irrfan Khan, Shabana Azmi and Jackie Shroff among others, it was the ideal cast we were looking at and when they came on-board there was no looking back. Contrary to popular perception, I am not doing this film because I'm a mother now and suit the character better. I would have done it five years ago, with the same sincerity and enthusiasm. The only difference is that now, I relate to the character better and it is more honest.

People are calling it your "comeback" movie. What do you have to say about it?

It doesn't feel like a comeback. Yes, I took a break from movies when Aaradhya was born, but I have been active with advertisements, appearances and social work. I had never really left. It was more like a maternity break. And for all those terming "Jazbaa" as a comeback: my movie with Mani Ratnam was supposed to release before this. So, "Jazbaa" is definitely not my comeback movie.

How was it working with Sanjay Gupta?

Sanjay is a stylised director. He has a distinct, unique language of cinema which he brings alive on celluloid. There is a different energy and a certain edit-pattern that you look forward to.

The movie is releasing this Friday. Are you nervous or excited?

(Laughs) I'm really looking forward to seeing the movie on Friday. In fact all of us were teasing Sanjay that we will give the verdict on the 9th. It'll be great to see the way he unfolds the story of "Jazbaa".